Tuesday, April 28, 2009

CRSM chief Chew Mei Fun offers advice on preventing swine flu

Chief of Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun today expressed that in view of the global spread of swine flu in many countries, she urged the public to be extra vigilant and careful while taking necessary precautions to overcome the disease.

“Through various channels, the public should equip themselves with sufficient knowledge on swine flu including going to the Health Ministry’s website to obtain important information on the disease. For example, knowing the symptoms of the flu, how it spreads and steps to be taken to prevent being infected with the disease,” emphasized Mei Fun.

She added that besides being extra vigilant, the public should also disseminate information on aspects to their relatives and friends like clean hygiene to deter swine flu to enable them to take care of each other during this period.

“CRSM will mobilize the state and division CRSM within the week to play an important role in disseminating necessary information to the public and assisting the Health Ministry in creating awareness in the community,” Mei Fun said.

She stressed that during this period, “the public should be mindful of a few things which includes avoid from getting too close to patients with health symptoms related to respiratory problems. Next, the public should avoid from getting in touch with swines and they should also stay away crowded areas. When sneezing or coughing, they are advised to use a tissue to cover their nose and mouth to prevent the virus from spreading and infecting others. The public is also advised to always wash their hand with soap.”

For more detailed preventive measures to contain the disease, the public is encouraged to browse the Health Ministry’s website to get more detailed information. Bahagian Kawalan Penyakit from the Health Ministry has set up their operation room to monitor the swine flu. For further information, please call 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300.